Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that enables users to experience immersive digital environments.
The development of VR has been a long journey, and it took many years for scientists and engineers to come up with a device that could deliver an authentic VR experience. In this article, we will explore the history of virtual reality and find out when the first virtual reality headset was developed.
History of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality technology has been around for decades. The concept of creating immersive digital environments dates back to the 1960s, when computer scientists started experimenting with computer-generated graphics.
In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers developed early versions of VR systems that used headsets, motion sensors, and other technologies to track a user’s movements and provide a more immersive experience.
In 1968, Ivan Sutherland created “Swordfight,” one of the earliest examples of virtual reality. It was an interactive computer game that allowed users to fight in a digital environment using a head-mounted display (HMD) called the “Skulltracker.” The Skulltracker used sensors to track the user’s head movements and translate them into movement within the virtual world.
In 1984, the first prototype of a VR headset was developed by Jaron Lanier. It was called the “EyePhone” and consisted of two screens mounted on a pair of glasses that tracked the user’s eye movements. The EyePhone provided an immersive experience by displaying different images in each eye, creating a 3D effect.
The first commercial VR headset, called the “Virtual Reality Headset,” was developed by Swordfish Systems in 1986. It was designed for use in military training simulations and provided a highly immersive experience.
Summary
In conclusion, the first virtual reality headset was developed in 1984 by Jaron Lanier. The EyePhone was a prototype of what would eventually become modern VR headsets. Since then, VR technology has come a long way and has been used in various fields, including gaming, entertainment, education, and healthcare. Today, VR headsets are widely available and offer an immersive experience that can be highly engaging and effective.
